Soil and Water: Carrots prefer light, deeply tilled soils with plenty of added organic matter, good drainage, a pH range of 6.0-6.6, and regular water. Apply a mulch layer once established to keep roots cool. Sand can be mixed with the soil to promote straight growth.

Harvesting and Storage: You may need to loosen soil to pull carrots without breaking off tops. Trim off foliage to extend storage time. Layer roots in a container with damp medium and store in cool, moist conditions. Also good for canning or freezing.

Did You Know? Purple and yellow are the original colors of the domestic carrot. Red, white, and orange carrots were developed later.

Vegetable Planting: Direct sow outside in early spring. Can be fall planted. Plant about 2â apart and 1/4â below soil surface. Can sow closer, then thin later. Rows should be spaced at 18â-24â apart.